Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto chicken pasta in the instant pot is the best way to do it. It’s super easy and is ready in under 20 minutes. The fresh flavors of the pesto and Italian seasoned chicken combine perfectly in this recipe that’s easy to make both gluten free and dairy free. Make this pesto chicken pasta for dinner or meal prep delicious lunches for the week ahead!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Ingredients

To make this recipe you start with a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You will need 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 6-8 ounces of pesto.

Optional ingredients include a half cup of heavy cream or half and half, a half cup of pine nuts, sliced basil, parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes.

Making Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Start this recipe by adding the chicken, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Toss it until the chicken is coated in seasonings.

Add the pasta to the instant pot and pour the broth over the top. Stir the pasta so that there is an even layer on the bottom. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the pasta in an even later and do not stir.

Once your laters are done, place the lid on the instant pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.

When the cook time is up, do a quick release on the pressure valve and remove the lid. Drain the liquid from the pasta and chicken. Then add the pesto and cream (if you’re using it) and stir it all together.

This is where you’ll add your optional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or grated parmesan (if you want it more melted). The instant pot will heat these up as you mix so they’ll be warm and tasty!

Making Gluten Free Pesto Chicken Pasta

Making this recipe gluten free is super easy. Simply swap out your regular pasta for a gluten free variety. I prefer Jovial or Barilla but you can use your favorite brand so long as it isn’t chickpea pasta. The chickpea gluten free pasta doesn’t cook right in the instant pot.

Making Creamy Dairy Free Pesto Chicken Pasta

To make this instant pot pesto chicken pasta gluten free you first want to make sure the pesto you use is dairy free. Check the label and make sure there isn’t any parmesan cheese in there.

If you want to make a creamier pasta use a half cup of coconut cream to sub for the half and half or heavy cream. Shake the can of coconut cream before opening it to get it mixed right. Sometimes the heavier part of the coconut cream settles in the can.

Serving and Storing Instructions

Serve this pesto chicken pasta with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies. It’s great simply on its own, however.

Garnish with shaved parmesan, pine nuts, or chiffonade cut basil. Fresh cracked pepper and red pepper flakes work really well also!

Store this dish by letting it cool to room temp and placing in an airtight container or individual meal prep containers and refrigerate. This instant pot pesto chicken pasta is a recipe that reheats really well as leftovers for a satisfying lunch or snack anytime.

Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!

• Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
• Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Shrimp Rasta Pasta
• Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
• Meatless Baked Ziti

Print

This instant pot pesto chicken pasta post may contain some links that are affiliate links, though products are ones I use personally and recommend. When you purchase anything using my links, it costs you absolutely nothing extra, but it does give healthyheartyrecipes.com a little financial support which helps to keep this blog running. Thank you for your continued support, both with your dollars and your interest.